All posts by h716a5.icu

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It has recently been reported that Manchester City will not be targeting a new left-back this summer and will instead give their backing to Benjamin Mendy, a player who has been difficult to rely on since he arrived at the club.

Mendy arrived at the Etihad Stadium from Monaco in a £52m deal back in 2017, a transfer which saw him become the world’s most expensive defender until Liverpool splashed out £75m on Virgil van Dijk.

However, despite looking like a phenomenal player whenever he has made it out onto the pitch, the Frenchman hasn’t made as many appearances as the Cityzens would’ve liked – he has managed just 14 Premier League starts in almost two seasons.

Who would win out of Man Utd’s treble winners and Man City today? Fans discuss in the video below…

Mendy has also been a bit of a headache off the field. The 24-year-old has caused Guardiola angst by spending the early hours of the morning out partying, whilst he has also stepped on thin ice by turning up late for a treatment session.

So, are City right to give Mendy their backing and not sign a new left-back? Football FanCast’s writers have their say…

Matt Dawson 

“Given Manchester City spent so much on Mendy, the sensible thing would be to stick by him. He’s easily one of the best in his position in the division when he’s fit. However, I think it’s incredibly alarming that they’re not in the market for a back up option at the very least. Fabian Delph is quite frankly terrible in that position and his display against Spurs in the Champions League tells you all you need to know. Guardiola might like Zinchenko but he shouldn’t be someone the club become over reliant upon whenever an injury occurs.”

Harry Sherlock

“Mendy is the best left-back City have had for quite a while. On the pitch, the left-back is excellent at crossing the ball and also has that potent cocktail of skill, pace and precision in his passing. There are very few truly world-class left-backs out there who can walk into Guardiola’s side. Mendy, if he can stay fit, has all the attributes to be City’s first-choice left-back for the next five years. Guardiola is right to back him; he could be the club’s secret weapon in next season’s inevitable title charge.”

James Beavis

“In my view Pep has undoubtedly made the right call. It’s about time City did this instead of simply going out and spending big money on someone else. Mendy’s unfortunate run of luck won’t continue forever, and with a full pre-season under him he should be raring to go for the start of the 2019/20 season – Man City fans will be excited for that. The Frenchman will be a like a new signing and even if he does suffer again, Oleksandr Zinchenko has proven himself to be a more than able deputy.”

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Tottenham Hotspur fans will have been keeping a close eye on Jack Grealish on Saturday afternoon as Aston Villa kicked-off their play-off campaign at Villa Park.

What’s the word?

Spurs have been repeatedly linked with the 23-year-old playmaker since last summer.

His decision to sign a new deal in September 2018 temporarily eased speculation, but the Daily Mail claimed on Friday that Grealish will leave the club if Villa fail in their bid to reach the top-flight.

Tottenham were identified as one of the clubs expressing an interest in his services, while Crystal Palace were also mentioned as they scout the market for a potential Wilfried Zaha replacement.

Perfect for Pochettino

Saturday represented a perfect opportunity to take a closer look at Grealish’s credentials to make the switch to north London.

This was not Villa’s poster boy at his scintillating best but he still managed to provide two moments of quality as the hosts suddenly turned the game on its head. Firstly, he provided a perfectly weighted ball for Conor Hourihane to smash home an equaliser from the edge of the area, and just moments later he lured Kieran Gibbs into a dangerous lunge inside the penalty area and won his side a penalty to complete the turnaround.

But it was his movement throughout the game which pointed towards his suitability to Tottenham’s free-flowing system.

The attacking midfield contingent at Spurs, regardless of the personnel, are allowed to interchange and roam as they see fit, leaving defenders with the unenviable task of trying to mark specific individuals.

Take Lucas Moura, for example, a player who was renowned for his expertise on the right-wing when he arrived at the club who now regularly operates at centre-forward, number ten or in a vague attacking midfield position which allows for seamless fluidity and flair.

Against the Baggies Grealish was allowed the freedom to roam across the pitch as he dropped deep, oscillated from left to right and pushed closer to Tammy Abraham in the second half.

This was a quintessentially free-roaming performance from a man who has been unleashed by Dean Smith, and his license to play wide, central, deep and advanced has prepared him for the style he would be expected to adhere to at Tottenham.

Like Dele Alli, Christian Eriksen, Lucas, Erik Lamela and Son Heung-min, Grealish would be willing and versatile enough to thrive under the Argentine.

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Michael Edwards’ impact behind the scenes at Liverpool has been well documented.

This is the man who convinced Jurgen Klopp to resist the temptation to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Julian Brandt, and instead get on board with a deal for Roma forward Mohamed Salah – look how that turned out!

The Reds sporting director has also managed to work his magic in getting huge fees for players Liverpool no longer want.

He managed to get Crystal Palace to part with nearly £60m when they put pen to paper on deals to sign Mamadou Sakho and Christian Benteke, whilst he also sold Dominic Solanke – a man signed on a free transfer – to Bournemouth for £19m.

Chelsea fans were giving it large at Anfield on Sunday. Watch their afternoon get slowly ruined in the video below…

The transfer window has only just opened for the summer, and Edwards is already looking well on course to cast his spells once again.

The Daily Mail have reported that Liverpool could obtain £100m by selling fringe players this summer, including the likes of Marko Grujic, Harry Wilson, Nathaniel Clyne and Simon Mignolet.

Interestingly, the Champions League finalists want £15m for Clyne, and £14m for Mignolet, whilst they would be open to £20m deals for both Wilson and Grujic should an offer arrive.

Youngsters Rafa Camacho, Ryan Kent, Taiwo Awoniyi, Sheyi Ojo and Ovie Ejaria have also been enquired about.

In total, all of the aforementioned players cost Liverpool just £27m: Grujic arrived for £5.1m, Clyne for £12.5m, Mignolet in a £9m deal, and Taiwo Awoniyi in a transfer worth £4o0,000. The rest are academy graduates.

Realistically, all of those players will probably be snapped up, and most certainly won’t be short of suitors given their talent.

Should Edwards successfully sell the aforementioned players, he will have turned £27m into almost £100m, and in doing so continued his fine form in obtaining the maximum fees for players no longer needed by Liverpool.

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Leeds United fans on Twitter are feeling pessimistic despite a positive update from Phil Hay about the future of Marcelo Bielsa.

The Yorkshire Evening Post writer tweeted that there had been more talks between the club and the manager on Monday, and he claimed that he is now expected to stay at Elland Road.

Certain fans didn’t take too kindly to this update with some questioning the reliability of the YEP writer due to his previous incorrect predictions about the Whites.

Others were worried about the future of the club even if the Argentine stayed. Their concerns were primarily around the signings the club would make this summer as they believe that Andrea Radrizzani would be reluctant to get his chequebook out.

It remains to be seen whether or not the journalist is accurate with his report that Bielsa is set to stay at the club next season, but some fans certainly believe that Hay’s words should be taken with a pinch of salt.

Here’s what United supporters have been saying on Twitter…

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Leeds United fans on Twitter have made their feelings clear on the potential return of Jack Harrison on another year-long loan deal.

An article in the Yorkshire Evening Post by Phil Hay confirmed that the Whites are interested in bringing the Englishman back next season.

The Manchester City winger was less than impressive during his first year at the club, and now fans are understandably underwhelmed at the prospect of his return.

The 22-year-old scored just four times in 2018/19 while only providing three assists for teammates.

The former NYCFC man is reportedly on a weekly wage of £51,000, and his performances for the Whites certainly didn’t warrant that type of pay packet.

The Yorkshire outfit finished third last season, narrowly missing out on an automatic promotion spot.

Many supporters believe that they are just a few additions away from returning to the Premier League, but certain sections of the fanbase believe Harrison isn’t what the team needs.

Here’s what the Elland Road faithful have been saying on Twitter…

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Manchester United are expected to undergo somewhat of a squad overhaul this summer, but should they cash in on Romelu Lukaku?

According to various reports, Lukaku is a target for Internazionale.

The San Siro outfit are hoping to bring in Antonio Conte as their new manager, and the ex-Chelsea boss is a long time admirer of United’s number nine.

Inter will reportedly offer £30m and Ivan Perisic for the Belgian international, while the Red Devils would prefer to see Milan Skriniar join as part of the deal.

Lukaku has taken plenty of stick from fans at Old Trafford over the last two seasons, but he has racked up 42 goals and 13 assists in 96 appearances.

With that in mind, some of the writers at Football FanCast share their thoughts on whether United should cut their losses with the 26 year-old…

Find out which stadiums fans have nominated for the worst atmosphere in football in the video below…

Luke Glanville

“It’s tricky one but in my opinion, Manchester United shouldn’t cash in on Romelu Lukaku. Even the best players in world football have a bad season here and there. And has the big Belgian’s campaign really been as bad as people say? He’s still notched 15 goals in all competitions. Lukaku needs to find a way of putting himself at the top of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans and the new manager needs to figure out a system built around the 26-year-old. But this shouldn’t be the end of the road for Lukaku and United.”

Matt Dawson

“Absolutely not. United would be barking mad to cash in on Lukaku this summer. Yes he’s been sluggish at times but he’s one of the few players in that front line who has actually displayed some sort of consistency in his time with the club. He’s a natural goalscorer and his predatory instinct is something that can help bring the good times back to Old Trafford. They simply have to keep hold of him.”

James Beavis

“Enough is enough, yes they should. Lukaku simply isn’t good enough to be a Man United number 9 and he needs replacing this summer. The Red Devils should be targeting a quick striker – to play alongside two speedy wingers – so they can be a real threat to opposition defences and on the counter-attack next season. The sluggish Belgian simply doesn’t fit the bill and won’t improve in that respect given his natural build. Ed Woodward would have the last laugh by selling Lukaku for a decent fee and replacing him with the type of striker United really need.”

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TalkSPORT host Alan Brazil has credited Rangers manager Steven Gerrard with the rise in crowd attendance at Scottish football matches this season, writing in his Sunday Post column.

What’s he said?

It was announced last week that attendances in Scotland have increased for the fourth successive season, with almost 4.5m passing through the gates across 2018/19.

Scottish football may not be able to boast the highest quality of player, but the drama and excitement it produces punches well above its weight and the arrival of Liverpool legend Gerrard as Rangers manager has certainly added to that.

Brazil reckons that if Rangers can continue their improvement and challenge Celtic consistently again next term that crowds will only go up again.

Writing in The Sunday Post, the 59-year-old said:

“Let’s be honest, the biggest attraction for fans in any country is a competitive league. We’re not quite there yet in Scotland.

“But there is no doubt that Rangers’ resurgence under Steven Gerrard has helped the average attendances go up. An even stronger Rangers next season will make them rise further.

“There’s no doubt about that. If Gerrard can build a team that starts strong and maintains a challenge throughout the season, fans will pay attention.”

The indoor football skills in the video below have to be seen to be believed…

The Gerrard effect

The former Liverpool captain is one of the biggest names in modern British football so undoubtedly he’s been something of a box office draw this season, especially when it comes to interest in Rangers, but it might be overstating it a bit to suggest he has increased average attendances across the country.

What Brazil gets spot on is that competitiveness increases eyeballs on the product.

Gerrard arriving at Ibrox added a very intriguing narrative to the Scottish Premiership last season and after Celtic’s derby defeat to Rangers at Ibrox in Decemeber, more people were talking about the game in Scotland than in years prior.

Ultimately a genuine title challenge did not emerge, but there’s no doubt neutrals in the football world would be engaged if they managed to sustain one next season.

Gerrard’s legacy

The Rangers manager won’t care about being a big name in Scotland and he won’t care about creating more of a buzz around Scottish football.

The only thing he has his eye on is silverware. If he leaves Rangers without success he’ll just be another failed legend who has come up north and found Scottish football much tougher than he expected.

If the Rangers boss’ legacy is bringing more crowds to matches in Scotland then everyone will know he has failed.

Next season is a massive one for him personally and for his project at Ibrox. It’s time to deliver on the hype.

[ad_pod ]According to ExWHUemployee, West Ham United have offered a contract to Yacine Brahimi, who will soon be available on a free transfer.

What’s the word, then?

Brahimi enjoyed another successful season with Porto – scoring 13 times and contributing nine assists in 49 appearances in all competitions for the Portuguese giants.

The 45-time Algeria international will see his contract expire at the end of June, however, and he is widely expected to move on in search of pastures new.

Sports WitnessÂrecently claimed that reports in Turkey had said that Brahimi wants a £5.3m signing-on fee from his next club.

According to ExWHUemployee, West Ham have offered the attacker a contract, although there is no mention of any potential sweetener in the deal.

In truth, £5.3m would be small change for a player of Brahimi’s ability and the Hammers must do all they can to bring him to the London Stadium this summer.

Why should the Hammers fight hard for Brahimi?

Brahimi has scored 54 times and contributed 43 assists in 215 appearances for Porto since a 2014 arrival from Spanish outfit Granada.

It would probably be fair to say that the Algerian will command fairly sizeable wages but West Ham can hopefully afford to match his demands.

A well-rounded attacker, Brahimi has experienced top-flight football in France, Spain and Portugal, which will stand him in good stead if he moves to the Premier League.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

Pellegrini’s side won their final three matches of the 2018-19 campaign to finish 10th in the table – five points off seventh-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Hammers will need to further improve their squad this summer in order to challenge for the top seven next season but signing Brahimi would be a huge step in the right direction.

To be blunt, the deal is an absolute no-brainer for the capital club.

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Per a report from Tutto Mercato Web, Leicester are interested in pursuing World Cup finalist Ivan Perisic this summer.

What’s the word?

As the Foxes gear up for an assault on Wolves and seventh place next season, signing wingers looks to be a key priority.

In recent weeks Andros Townsend has been the subject of interest, whilst Bertrand Traore has also been in the conversation.

The latest name to attract their attention is the vastly experienced Perisic, who is currently playing for Inter Milan in Serie A.

Tutto Mercato Web claim that the Croatian’s time with the Nerazzurri is unlikely to continue and as a result, Leicester could be his next destination.

No fee is mentioned but Transfermarkt rate the player at a considerable £27m.

Leicester philosophy would go up in smoke

There is no doubting Perisic’s quality. After all, the winger has been one of the most consistent players in that area of the pitch in Europe for a while now.

He was a star for Croatia as they reached the World Cup final last year but his potential signing would go against everything Leicester are building towards.

At 30 years of age, he doesn’t fit the type of profile that the Foxes have been moulding their squad around.

Although experience could be crucial, it would go against one of their major philosophies; developing youth.

Was Gareth Southgate wrong to overlook potential England stars from Palace, Leicester and Saints? Fan discuss “big club bias” in the video below…

The club have a number of young stars coming through at the moment and if Perisic does arrive it would put one of them in considerable danger.

Harvey Barnes featured regularly on the left-hand side once he returned from a loan spell with West Brom but despite not finding his best form, he’s a player that simply has to play next season.

Attaining regular minutes wouldn’t be possible though if the club brought the Inter man to the King Power.

Given the fact it appears as though Leicester are planning for the future, signing Perisic should be forgotten about.

It’s certainly an interesting time at Chelsea at the moment, with star man Eden Hazard moved out of the club and manager Mauro Sarri joining Juventus.

Those two leaving alone is enough for a the club to be considered in the midst of a massive change programme, but coupled with their transfer ban, things are certainly looking a bit ropey for the Blues.

This weekend then has seen reports emerge that the club could be willing to let youngster Reece James join Swansea City on a loan deal following James’ success with Wigan Athletic last season.

However, we here in the Tavern are amazed that the club are looking like being willing to let James leave.

With the club under a transfer embargo and unable to bring in any new players, the loss of James could be more heavily felt than the club ever might have imagined.

The teenager proved himself last season to be one of the finest young talents in the Premier League, and at times looked a class above many opposition players, regardless of whether he played in midfield or sat further back in the back four.

This versatility is another example of why the club need to be hanging on to James for the time being. Chelsea will be hoping to compete in all competitions, and at times there will be a need to call upon the squad players to fill in and still ensure the Blues compete.

James is certainly in this bracket of player despite his tender years, and there would be no issue in him stepping into the limelight and helping his club to positive results in the cup competitions and more.

Chelsea have not got a good record of blooding young players in recent times, but this is an opportunity for them to change that, and James should be right at the forefront of their plans going into next term.